Anyone shopping for a new or used vehicle knows that one of the first steps to do when actually looking at the physical vehicle is to perform a set of safety checks. Many Toyota cars, trucks, and SUVs come with excellent safety features. If you happen to be purchasing a new or used vehicle of a different make or model you may want to follow the safety checklist below.

1.    Look into the crash test ratings. These ratings, in particular, are what many insurance companies look into when deciding coverage costs. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, or IIHS, actually conducts its own series of crash tests on vehicles.

2.    Look at the crash test ratings given by the National Highway Safety Administration. These test results are rated on a five star scale. The more stars a vehicle is given for a particular test, the better it held up during the collision. You may even want to compare the crash test ratings between NHTSA and IIHS.

3.    If you are considering an SUV pay attention to the Electronic Stability Control system. This system is designed to keep the vehicle on path when turning a corner at an accelerated speed. This will essentially prevent the vehicle from tipping.

4.    Rollover resistance is something to consider when looking at purchasing a taller vehicle, such as, a pick-up truck or SUVs. There will be a rating for sedans, as well, but it is more important for larger, taller vehicles.

5.    Make sure the vehicle has an antilock brake system, or ABS. This comes standard on most new vehicles but may not on an older, used model. This provides assistance during a quick stop.

6.    Determine if it has any accident avoidance assistance. This will help you in the instance of a potential collision.

7.    Obviously, make sure the vehicle is equipped with air bags. These will be imperative in keeping possible physical damage during a collision to a minimum.

8.    Make sure the vehicle has working safety belts for all passengers.

9.    Check the head restraints. Make sure they are in proper working order and don’t have any obvious damage. They should have a snug fit and show no signs of malfunction or previous damage.

10.    Finally, inspect the child restraint system. Most new vehicles have a latch system that provides for easy installation of child seats. If the vehicle does not have a latch system, make sure the seat belts have the locking mode that would be necessary for safe child seat installation.